§ 23. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any steps are being taken in the present season to deal with the increasing loss of sheep stock and grazing land brought about by the spread of bracken?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)The committee which has been actively investigating the possibility of improving existing methods of eradicating bracken are proceeding with their inquiries, and have arranged for demonstrations of different methods to be given in the course of the present month. I hope to receive a report from them on the result of their investigations as soon as possible thereafter.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs it intended to publish the report in view of its importance to the sheep-farming industry of Scotland?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt will depend on the character of the report and whether a satisfactory method bas been found.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONHave the Government considered offering a reward or devising a scheme for dealing with this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSWe have chosen a body of scientific and practical men and have asked them to apply their minds to this matter, and I think the report we shall receive will throw further light on a difficult question.